The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-21
A Democratic Majoritys Dealing with Just
Resolution That Seeks to Give the Senate
Minority Hearing in All Contests.
1t Is Adopted Finally, but Not Until
Alter Several Hours Discussion.
A Meas.g1o TO Erect Four Soldiers Monuments,
and Another to Teach Temperance in the
Pablo Schools Introduced.
AN EFFORT FOR FAIR TRIALS.
A Resolution that Excited the Opposition

A Resolution that Excited the Opposition of
Few Democrats.
While the crowds at the Capitol early yester-
day morning promised at noon an attendance at
she joint convention as great as that of the day
preceding, the interest was less feverish. Yet
such was the feeling in regard to the plan under
which the joint convention is held among both
Democrats and Republicans that an exciting in
cidert was likely to appear at any time. But
withal, quietness prevailed in which an at
tempt ut business was made both in the Senate
and House Anything suggestive of important
legislation, however. was held in allegiance, and
1t is not on the books that any will occur until
the positions of the two parties become more
slearly defined. Both the Senate and House
we're late in coming to order, although the
former body had an important business session
of three quarters of an hour before the latter
was ready for them. Considerable time was
spent in the reading of the journal of the joint
convention yesterday. 1t was watched closely
both by Senators and Representatives. 1t final
ly was ordered to go upon the records of both
houses, with no material corrections Senator
Johnson had bout with Senator Smith when he
introduced a resolution in the Senate looking to
fair show for the minority in contested election
cases. He proposed that both the majority and
minority reports be presented for discussion in
MI future cases. Senator Smith, in the chair
peremptorily decided this to be out or order,
as t conhicted with the rule already established
regarding the right to enforce the previous ques-
lion. The Democrats generally objected to the
Republican measure to get hearing in defense
of their contestees, notwithstanding Senator
Johnson argued that a conviction on the evidence
Of the prosecution alone was without precedent,
justice or law. He asked only that the minority
be heard in discussion, which fair dealing war
ranted The Democrats thought scheme lay
behind it, and at first presented the customary
strength Of their majority in sustaining the
chair. The Republicans, Of course, appealed
from the decision, and demanded the yeas and
nays. While the opposition knew they would over
throw the appeal, they, nevertheless. continued
their desultory remarks. until somebody sug-
gested that the johnson resolution would lessen
the force of motion for the previous question.
Senator Campbell did not so understand it, and
believed that it conficted with no other rules of
the Senate. Senator johnson sustained him in
this view, when he was asked if his resolution
SIR" replied the Senator, II offered it in all good
faith. Tho previous question will be just as OPP
Bratve as it has always been, whenever it is
applied. My only desire, and it is that of my
Republican colleagues, is to give the contestees
IN opportunity to plead their cases in report
and discussion" The Democratic side became
Pickwickian in its willingness to consider the
rule if it would not encroach upon that Demo
cratic bulwark of liberty, the previous question.
With this spirit Of amity prevailing, Senator
Smith. although others Of his side wanted to
lend the matter at once to the committee on
,olee. said: IF the Senator from Wayne will
,onsent. his resolution shall be made the
,necial order for o'clock" The friction thus
.llaysd, the Senators prepared to 60 over to the
House.
When the Senate met in the afternoon Sena
tor Bailey was prompt in saying "Mr. Presi
aent," but the Senator addressed ruled him
down with 1.-THE resolution of the Senator from
Wayne is the special order for this hour. Il
comes up on motion to lay appeal from the
Chair on the table, Senator Sellers was MOI
satisfied with this summary manner In dealing
with the resolution. He believed it ought to g
TO the committee on rules. Senator Fowler OBJ
jected to that mode of procedure. He though
the resolution asked for nothing that was no
fair, and matter what had been done hereto
fore, hereafter he decidedly favored open discus
sion on all the merits involved in contest tor
seat in the Senate Senator Bailey, as If he hat
grievance on account of this statement Of hi
Democratic colleague, asked to have the resolu
ton read again for information. The majorit,
became Pickwickian again, and even Senate
Smith on the face of the explanation that
Would not interfere with the previous questio
Whenever it was deemed necessary to use it, az
coded to the resolution. if it shout
he made of concurrence for tn
House to consider This concurrent featur
was offered by Senator Weir in his substitute
for the motions of reference and to lay on tn
table Sentor johnson was asked IL he woul
accent that character for the resolution, but
aid rot think that tho House had anything to d
with mere expression of the Senate as to il
own proceedings. If any member OF the-Hous
30 desired he could introduce similar resol'
ton. What he asked for was chance for tt
contestees in the Senate to DO heard
do you expect the committee on elections
asked Senator Fowler, ito report soon on an
contested seat|
mo. sr.n replied Senator johnson At tn
Senator Bailey said that to pass the resolutic
as it is would be qualification Of the Senate
regard to what had been done. But" he co
tinued 'if the Senator will introduce in it
express disavowal of any interference with ii
nreyious question, and agree that 1t shall be
concurrent resolution, will vote for it. Othe
wise il should GO 20 the committee on rules.
Is reflection on what has been done Il refe
ence To w ~ Mcdonald It Is virtually ce
sure of the Senate for unseating him." Senat
Denote called attention to the fairness al
business that gave the minority in the House
full opportunity to defend Mr.. Meaghe
II consider it impudence,' remarked he. =
ask us to have this made a concurrent resol
tion.n After Senator johnson had again spoke
Senator French, saying that he was tired
listening to the same argument all day, and
lievipg that all that could be had been sa
moved the previous question. Senator Johns
considered this personal allusion, which Sc
ator French did not directly disclaim. Sena,
Weir withdrew his substitute. and tho Chair
the previous question, but Senator French "
--- undecided what to do with his motion-let it
or withdraw it,